Roman Catholic Cardinal John Onaiyekan has expressed support for opposition political parties' efforts to forge a united front ahead of Nigeria's 2027 general elections. He made this statement when leaders of the G100 Coalition, an alliance of opposition parties, visited him at his Abuja residence on Thursday. Onaiyekan described a strong opposition as crucial to sustaining Nigeria's democracy. The coalition is preparing for its second summit on November 9, 2026, to adopt proposals aimed at strengthening opposition cooperation.
The G100 Coalition, led by factional National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, and National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe, briefed Onaiyekan on their efforts to unite opposition parties. The delegation also included Hakeem Baba Ahmed, National Chairman of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP), and Sunny Kanu, the party's National Secretary. Professor Jibrin Ibrahim, a civil society activist and scholar, facilitated the meeting.
The coalition leaders informed Onaiyekan that they have completed three policy documents: the National Covenant for Democratic Renewal, the Framework for Opposition Unity, and the National Reform Programme. These documents outline the coalition's guiding principles, operational framework, and policy direction. The coalition aims to finalize and adopt these documents before its November 9 summit, where participating parties will endorse and unveil them.
Onaiyekan welcomed the initiative, expressing support for opposition parties working together in Nigeria's interest. He emphasized that building a strong opposition is necessary for the survival and consolidation of Nigeria's democratic traditions. The cardinal is optimistic that the political process will provide Nigerians with genuine and credible alternatives, enabling citizens to make informed decisions about their future and leadership.
Onaiyekan also stressed the importance of competent, honest, and compassionate leadership in addressing Nigeria's challenges, particularly those affecting citizens' living conditions. The delegation briefed him on progress made in attracting additional parties into the coalition and developing mechanisms to manage disagreements and prevent internal divisions.
The coalition leaders thanked Onaiyekan for his commitment to justice and compassion and appealed for his continued prayers for their initiative's success. They plan to extend consultations to other prominent Nigerians and diplomatic missions to broaden support for the coalition. The alliance aims to restore public confidence in Nigeria's capacity to overcome challenges through new leadership and a renewed focus on citizens' welfare.
The G100 Coalition's efforts have been endorsed by Cardinal Onaiyekan, who has a longstanding commitment to justice and compassion. The coalition's second summit on November 9, 2026, will see participating parties adopt and unveil proposals aimed at strengthening opposition cooperation and providing an alternative political platform for Nigerians.
Key points
- Cardinal John Onaiyekan endorses opposition coalition's unity efforts ahead of Nigeria's 2027 general elections.
- The G100 Coalition has completed three policy documents to guide its alliance.
- Onaiyekan emphasizes the importance of competent, honest, and compassionate leadership in addressing Nigeria's challenges.
